Monday, January 24, 2011

I understand military deportment as well as anyone, having taught it. But I have to say the CMSGT who entered a plea of guilty on 13 counts of sexual misconduct, and facing trial on 5 more, is looking at decades in military prison and dishonorable discharge as well as loss of all benefits. It's way too severe in my opinion.

As I understand the charges, adultery, sexual harassment and sending explicit photos of himself in emails, while certainly is something that should be punished, I think jail time and erasing his 27 years of excellent service to his country is a travesty of justice. I am not condoning it, just saying decades in jail doesn't serve any purpose and to take away his service, pay and benefits is way too harsh. It's misconduct on the part of the military justice system.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that Zak came home with us and we were able to carry him in the palms of our hands. The first few nights when he fell asleep with us in bed (I know, that wasn’t the wisest thing to do) we were afraid we’d roll over on him during the night. But of course that sixth sense kicked in and that never happened. And now, reality has set in that he’s an adult and it has hit like a ton of bricks.

I tend to be the overly emotional member of the family and Kathy will attest to that. I am sentimental to the max and cling to memories of our past. She says you don’t need “things” or even photos to remember, but that’s how my mind works I suppose. I can hear something, see something or touch something and it’s as if it just happened, and in detail.

In the past few months Zak has started driving on his own (he was a late bloomer in that department, as were many of his peers). I couldn’t wait until I turned 15 ½ to get my “temps”. He turned 18 and became “legal” in March. And we just watched as he marched down the aisle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WENU22kIN6Y and received his high school diploma. For a guy who has probably been a bit too “hands on” as our son traversed the halls of his various school buildings, those events were quite a shock!

Look, he and I are going at it tooth and nail as many teens testing their wings do with their parents. I feel frustration, anger and fear. But, far outweighing that is the pride that I feel and unconditional love I, no WE, have for him.

I have shared in this column on a couple of occasions my belief that families should live near each other to experience and share in each others’ lives. I know in this day and age, we spread out across this continent and the globe. But what a loss! Think about those families you know, or even your own family. You may see Mom and Dad, brother or sister, nieces or nephews or even sons, daughters and grandchildren a few times a year at holidays. No job, career or lifestyle (in my humble opinion) is worth that. The family, and unique family support capability, is irreplaceable. I know there are families that bicker like cats and dogs, but beneath it all, they are still family. What a bond!

Today many jobs can be done in a remote location far away from the brick and mortar office building. Kathy has a coworker she has worked with on her team for 30 plus years who lives in a remote part of Canada. So “here” is only is where you can accomplish your tasks.

Zak may or may not share those views. Frankly, until I was in my late 20’s, I didn’t get it. But I hope, as he enters this phase of his education and life, he considers that we need and love him, want his success and happiness above all else and I, and I am sure Kathy, would love to see those things achieved where we could enjoy hobbies, sports and family dinners together on a regular basis. I think it’s the way it should be because no matter how close a friendship, it can never replace family.

Congratulations Zak and all your graduates. May they find what they seek in life and enjoy great success in those pursuits. And may they always cherish their family!

Mike Scinto has served as a radio talk show host for three decades. He can be heard on the syndicated “The Mike Gallagher Show” and seen as a contributor on the Fox News Channel. You can reach Mike by phone at 937-506-4288, via his blog at http://mikescinto.blogspot.com/ or by email at mikescintocolumn@gmail.com. Become Mike’s friend on Facebook and learn about upcoming events and appearances.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

By the time you read this column the “official” day of commemoration for our fallen heroes who risked life and limb to defend our country will have passed by a few days. But I think every day should be treated as “Memorial Day” when it comes to the kinds of sacrifices our soldiers have given, and continue to give.

As we travel through our busy schedules; projects at work, the kids in school, sports, economic issues and numerous other things that occupy our minds, men and women are in unbelievably scary, dangerous and deadly situations so our way of life can continue.

I am proud to say that I am a disabled United States Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam era. My late father, who we lost in 2003, was a Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal Campaign survivor. My father-in-law served several tours as a fighter pilot in Vietnam before retiring from the United States Air Force. I am so proud of both of them and of all the other veterans, living and deceased, who populate our family tree.

As of this writing I have to offer this observation. It was announced that rather than the American Presidential tradition, Barrack Obama had decided to pass on the breakfast with family members of fallen heroes and the laying of the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery. He had decided instead to go hang with his buddies back home in Chicago. I am aware that other Presidents have opted to hand that duty over to their VPs. But none of those Commanders-In Chief have in so many other ways shown a complete lack of respect for our country, way of life or traditions.

As I said, when you read this, the actual commemorative day is past. But you can still visit your friends’ or relatives’ graves. Call a family member of a fallen veteran who is still living. Or just go visit one of the most impressive, awe-inspiring and respectful sites in America; the National Cemetery on the grounds of the Dayton VA. It’s a visit you will truly feel and will want to make again; whether it’s Memorial Day or not.

God Bless our American Veterans; living and dead, past present and future!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Let’s start with the bottom line this time. Lawmakers, keep your hands off the Internet! I keep hearing rumblings that Congress would like to control Internet content, and states would like to control profit in order to get their cut of the pie. Obama has indicated he’d like to be able to “take control” of the web if it is in the national interest.

The Internet is a wonderful tool, research outlet, shopping mall and personal organizer. One of the things that excites people from 5 to 75 is the fact that, for the most part, it is open and easy access to everything. Once the government, at any level, gets into it; well it’s all over.

Actually, since the Internet is global, my guess is any attempt at controls would be short-lived. There are enough certified geeks who could get around anything the government could throw at the Net.

Okay, there are inherent problems with having instant access to everything. It allows pedophiles a cyber playground. Would-be terrorists can see how to build their next bomb. Students can easily plagiarize and cheat on exams. But all of those activities will go on with or without the on-line world.

I believe the good far outweighs the bad. Let’s keep the beauty of cyberspace free, unregulated and open 24/7/365. Admittedly our young people, and some of us fossils, spend much too much time on line. That has to be dealt with at a personal level, not through government over-regulation.

Let’s all hope this fantastic tool of our generations, will remain of the people, by the people and for the people.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

I suppose the media purist in me is about to come out, but I feel it needs to. All areas of broadcast media have compromised themselves so much that I’m not sure they can, or will, ever reform; I’m not even sure the current state of media isn’t so accepted that there’s no need for reformation.

Ask those trained in true journalism and they will tell you there’s no place for even the hint of conflict of interest. Until recent years I’ve never heard “journalists/reporters” endorsing products. Now, every other commercial on local radio (not just here but in most markets) is being read by a reporter who’s been handed the copy after they get out of the news booth. How can a reporter maintain credibility and integrity pushing a good or service? What happens when that good or service is under investigation for some illegal or unethical activity? Does the same “journalist” read the story on the air? Do they downplay or completely ignore the story?

On a tangent from the whole issue of reporting the news and reading advertising copy; the grammar some of these “reporters” use is atrocious! If they are going to sell their souls to hawk a product, at least make sure the copy is written using proper grammar. I know they don’t write them, they just read them, but come on, it’s their voices that are the instrument of sales.

What makes a TV or movie star an expert on politics? Why are they sought out for their take on hot issues? Look at Tom Cruise and his attacks on psychiatry and patients with ADD and postpartum depression. Why does anybody care what this airhead thinks about anything other than when filming begins on his next flick?

Martin Sheen became a spokesman for farm laborers after several protest related arrests. The news microphones and morning “news” shows were all over him for his take on the labor movement. Hey, get a grip; he only PLAYED a President on TV!

Of course actors have a right to their own feelings on issues. But when they use news outlets to make their case, I have a problem. My problem really isn’t with the actors, although they know what they’re doing, it’s with the untrained, unskilled editors and reporters who suck up to this liberal vermin.

I suppose in our homogenized, cost-conscious society we get what we pay for. That’s unfortunate that those faces and voices that we come to depend on and trust don’t really care themselves. At least I’m honest enough with myself, and those who listen to and read my words, to make them aware that I am not a newsman. My journalism training long ago took a back seat to my desire to offer my opinion for your consideration; just as I have done with respect to the blurring role of faces in the media.

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Mike Scinto Talk Show Host-Newspaper Columnist

Mike Scinto is a veteran talk show host now in his 38th year in that role. He serves as guest host on the nationally syndicated "The Mike Gallagher Show". You may have seen him offering his unique perspective on cable's Fox News Channel. Mike is also an award-winning columnist for Civitas Community Newspapers including fine publications like the Weekly Herald Examiner, The Fairborn Daily Herald and the Xenia Gazette in the great tradition of free speech in America! Mike says his life revolves around God, Kathy, Zak, Carly, and this great USA!